Why you shouldn’t charge your mobile phone in a USB port at an airport

Authorities say this simple and common act at airports can put your personal information at risk.

Authorities warn travellers not use public USB chargers at airports. Picture: iStock

Finding a USB outlet at an airport to charge your phone can feel like a big win when travelling.

Not only do you probably want a full battery to listen to music, watch movies, use maps to find your way around or be able to book a rideshare – a lot of people now travel with important documentation (such as plane tickets) on their phones.

And with different electrical sockets in other countries, USB outlets seemed like a great modern addition to airports.

However, authorities are warning travellers not to be tempted, as you could have your personal information stolen.

US authorities say you should not use public USB chargers. Picture: iStock

Earlier this month, a tweet from the FBI’s office in Denver made headlines as it warned travellers against using free chargers in airports, hotels and shopping centres.

“Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software on to devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead,” it said.

A few days later, the US Federal Communications Commission issued the same warning in a series of tweets on its own Twitter account.

It referred to the cyber-theft tactic as “juice jacking”.

Our phones can carry lots of important information needed for travelling so it’s tempting for travellers to use free chargers available at airports. Picture: iStock

The advice is the same from Australian authorities, with the Australian Government’s Australian Cyber Security Centre telling news.com.au people can spy on your phone this way and access your private information.

“When travelling overseas ensure your electronic devices are secure to avoid your device or data being compromised,” a ACSC spokesperson said.

“Only use genuine chargers that came with your electronic device and never use third party chargers, designated charging stations or USB charging outlets.

“USB connections can transfer malicious malware and spyware allowing access to your sensitive information.”

Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead. pic.twitter.com/9T62SYen9T

— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) April 6, 2023

Think twice before using public charging stations. Hackers could be waiting to gain access to your personal information by installing malware and monitoring software to your devices. This scam is referred to as juice jacking. https://t.co/hzLl2ZFTB5#juicejacking

— The FCC (@FCC) April 11, 2023

The tweets from the FBI and FCC in the US certainly got people talking and wondering whether there was a specific incident or trend that prompted the warning.

FBI spokeswoman Vikki Migoya told US online magazine Slate the tweet was a “standard PSA-type post” and the FBI “regularly provides reminders and public service announcements in conjunction with our partners”.

The FCC was reported to confirm the agency had no reason to believe the “juice jacking” scam had increased in recent years.